An Introduction to the Economics of Austerity and the Alternatives.
With Michael Burke, economist and campaigner for the People’s Assembly Against Austerity, and Mary Robertson, researcher on the housing crisis.

Feeling the effect of cuts to public services and benefits and the rising cost of living?
Want to know more about how we got here and what we can do about it?

For all those opposed to Government cuts: arm yourself with the facts at an open educational forum organised by the South East London People’s Assembly Against Austerity

This meeting will encourage maximum discussion and participation to help us all increase our understanding of the economics of the cuts and the arguments for the alternative economic policies that are needed and possible – with help from experts but accessible for all.

SELPA, PeoplesAssembly, Austerity

SELPA: Michael Burke, Economics of Austerity Part 1

SELPA: Mary Robertson, Economics of Austerity Part 2

Economics of Austerity Part 3:
Zoning Versus Discretionary Planning System.
Housing Bubble and empty houses in London
Neo-Liberalism – Failures of the Private Sector, not the Public Sector. Erosion of Union rights, Deregulation (who needs health and safety?). Drive up Profits.
Ironically the Corporations are supposedly taking risks, but government guarantee their profits.

Economics of Austerity Part 4:
What would you do to increase productivity and help everyone?
Increase Immigration. Foreign Students economically are an export.
Can the Crisis in the System be solved without Socialism?
Idle Capital held by British Companies is £350 Billion. A portion can solve the deficit.
There needs to be a change in relationship between Labour and Capital.
Is Immigration the cause of the Housing Crisis? Not at All.
More housing needs to be built and this will require State Intervention.

Economics of Austerity Part 5
Why do the figures focus on New Builds for the Housing Supply?
Regional Imbalance. South East disproportionate economic activity. Even if we shift economic activity to other parts of the UK, there would still be a shortage of housing.
Not enough time to discuss details due to the daily deluge of crap.
Immigration: There is no cultural difference between someone moving from Birmingham to London or Bratislava to London. Immigrants create 1 in 7 of all new jobs. Even though they are 1 in 14 of the population. Militaristic governments from the Feudal era to the modern age, control movement of people. Restriction of movement is good for owners of capital for the owners of the land. Britain talks of movement to the country, not about British people moving out of the country. Comparing to GDP, Britain has a lower level of immigration compared to the rest of Europe.
They (The One Percent) will get out of this crisis, we will not. There will be future growth in GDP, but it will not benefit us. That’s how Austerity works.